From Lanzarote: Sailing Day Trip Around La Graciosa

La Graciosa is at its best from the water. This six-hour outing takes you across by ferry, then onto a luxury catamaran for clear swimming water, volcanic peaks, white sand, and a generous lunch. The catamaran stop near Francesa Beach is the main event, with kayaks and snorkeling gear ready to use.

I like the easy all-in setup: hotel pickup, ferry tickets, boat trip, food, and drinks are covered. I also like the friendly multilingual guiding, with recent departures led by people such as Ami, Raquel, Deborah, and Cirilio. The main drawback is the long coach ride from the island’s southern resorts, plus the fact that you cannot step onto Francesa Beach under current environmental rules.

Key points to know before booking

• Francesa Beach is seen from the water: You can swim near shore, but you cannot disembark on the beach.
• The price includes a lot: At $81, you get transfers, both ferry rides, catamaran sailing, lunch, snacks, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.
• The sea stop is flexible: Swim, snorkel, kayak, sunbathe, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.
• The south-to-north transfer matters: Pickup from Playa Blanca begins around 8:30 a.m., while Costa Teguise pickups begin around 10 a.m.
• Bring a warm layer: Wind can make the ferry and catamaran feel cool, even under strong sun.
• This is not suitable for wheelchair users: The catamaran toilet is reached by an almost vertical ladder.

Why La Graciosa works so well by catamaran

La Graciosa feels spare and open. Its volcanic hills, pale beaches, and clear water are best appreciated from a boat rather than through a rushed land excursion. The catamaran gives you a broad view of the coast, with time to sit, eat, swim, and watch the island slide past.

The crossing begins on Lanzarote’s north coast. From Órzola, the ferry takes about 25 to 30 minutes to reach La Graciosa. That short ride is part of the fun, but it also means you need to manage two forms of transport before the relaxing part begins.

Once you transfer to the catamaran, the pace changes. You get a welcome glass of Champagne, snacks, and live commentary before sailing along the island’s southern coast. The combination works well for couples, families with older children, and groups who want scenery without spending the day hiking or driving.

I would not choose this trip if your main goal is to walk on a remote beach. The protected waters are the point here, and current rules prevent you from landing at Francesa Beach. You can still swim toward the shore, but you must remain in the water rather than setting up on the sand.

From hotel pickup to Órzola

Pickup is available from many parts of Lanzarote. The earliest departures are around 8:30 a.m. from Playa Blanca. Puerto Calero pickup is about 9:20 a.m., Puerto del Carmen around 9:30 a.m., Playa Honda and Arrecife around 9:55 a.m., and Costa Teguise around 10 a.m.

You travel in an air-conditioned coach to Órzola. The ride from the southern resorts can be long, and one account put the total coach time at nearly three hours there and back. That is the trade-off for having transport arranged from your hotel area.

I like the convenience, especially if you do not have a rental car. You do not need to work out the drive to Órzola, find parking, buy separate ferry tickets, or coordinate the return. Still, I would allow extra patience if you are staying in Playa Blanca. You spend a noticeable part of the day on the road before reaching the boat.

The supplier confirms your exact pickup time and meeting point after booking. Use that message as your final instruction, since the long list of possible hotels and bus stops means your location may not match a standard timetable exactly.

The ferry crossing from Órzola

The ferry ride to La Graciosa lasts roughly 25 minutes. It is short enough to feel easy, but long enough to give you your first proper view of the channel and the north coast.

The ferry is transport rather than the main attraction, so do not expect a guided wildlife cruise at this stage. Your reward is the arrival at La Graciosa and the quick change onto the catamaran.

This transfer is generally well organized, but you should travel light. Comfortable shoes are useful for the coach and ferry, though you will be asked to remove your shoes when boarding the catamaran. Keep your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and warm layer where you can reach them.

Welcome aboard the luxury catamaran

After reaching La Graciosa, you board the catamaran for around three and a half hours of sailing, lunch, and water activities. A welcome glass of Champagne, often described as Cava by visitors, comes with snacks such as melon or tapas-style bites.

The boat is designed for a relaxed social day rather than silent sailing. Music may be played, and the crew serves drinks throughout the trip. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included without a separate bill, which makes the $81 price easier to judge.

I especially like this arrangement for mixed groups. One person can kayak, another can snorkel, and someone else can stay seated with a drink and watch the coast. You are not forced into one activity, and the catamaran gives non-swimmers a comfortable place to enjoy the day.

The crew’s personal attention is another strong point. Recent departures included guides called Ami, Amy, Raquel, Rachel, Deborah, and Cirilio, with English, French, and Spanish available. The guide varies, but the role is more than translating instructions. A good guide keeps an eye on the group, explains what is happening, and helps the trip feel friendly rather than mechanical.

Francesa Beach and the marine reserve

The catamaran anchors near Francesa Beach, one of the most attractive places on the route. Expect pale sand, clear water, and volcanic hills behind the coast. This is where the outing shifts from sightseeing to free time on the sea.

You can use the supplied snorkeling equipment, try a kayak, swim from the catamaran, or remain aboard. The water can be clear enough to see fish below, so bringing your own mask is also reasonable if you prefer a familiar fit.

Kayaking is suitable for first-timers, and safety vests are provided. One family even had a child with a disability helped into a kayak while crew kept watch from a small boat. That does not make the trip fully accessible, but it does show a helpful, attentive approach when someone needs extra support.

The important environmental restriction is easy to miss: you cannot land on Francesa Beach. Swimming toward the shore is allowed according to the supplied details, but you cannot step out and walk along the sand. If your dream is a beach picnic or a set of photographs from the island, you may find this frustrating.

There is still a chance to explore La Graciosa later, during the free hour in Caleta de Sebo. That visit gives you land time, just not at the quiet beach where the catamaran anchors.

Pasta lunch, drinks, and time on deck

Lunch is a substantial pasta meal with salad, bread, and fruit. A gluten-free option is available if you request it in advance. Do not wait until boarding to mention an intolerance, since the alternative meal needs prior notice.

The meal is served after time in the water, usually around the middle of the afternoon. Portions have been described as generous, which matters because swimming and kayaking can work up an appetite. Snacks arrive earlier with the welcome drink.

Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are part of the package. For some people, that is a major value advantage. For others, it simply means you can take a soft drink without worrying about extra charges. I would still pace yourself, since the boat, sun, and alcohol can be a poor mix.

The catamaran has room for you to sit in the sun or find a more sheltered place. Wind is a real possibility, so pack a light jumper or jacket even if the forecast looks warm. The sea can also make the boat feel cooler than the shore.

Returning to Caleta de Sebo

After lunch and the water activities, the boat sails back toward Caleta de Sebo, La Graciosa’s small main settlement. You have about one hour of free time there before taking the ferry back to Órzola.

This is a modest stop, not a long guided tour. Use it to walk around, take photographs, and get a feel for the island’s fishing-village character. The contrast with the catamaran is part of the appeal: you move from open sea and volcanic coast to a compact settlement, then back across the channel.

I would keep your expectations sensible. One hour is enough for a look around, but not enough for a full island exploration. You will not see every beach or mountain on this trip. The value lies in combining a coastal sailing outing with a short taste of the island.

The return ferry takes another 25 minutes, followed by the coach ride back to your drop-off point. Hotel drop-off is included at the end, though the exact order depends on where you are staying.

Is the $81 price good value?

For six hours at $81 per person, I consider this a strong package if you plan to use the included extras. You are paying for hotel transport, two ferry crossings, a luxury catamaran, a welcome drink, snacks, pasta lunch, salad, fruit, unlimited drinks, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and a guide.

The ferry alone would otherwise add to your costs, and arranging separate transport from a southern resort would take time. The price also protects you from small onboard charges, since drinks are included.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, do not swim, and mainly want to walk on Francesa Beach. In that case, you are paying for several features you may not use, while the beach access you want is not available.

I also factor in the coach time. From Playa Blanca, the day includes a substantial road journey before and after the sea portion. From Arrecife or Costa Teguise, the transfer is shorter. Your departure point should be part of your value calculation.

Who should book this La Graciosa trip?

I would recommend it for families, couples, and groups with different ideas of a good day. Children aged 8 and 11 have enjoyed the ferry, kayaking, snorkeling, and catamaran setting, while adults can sit back with lunch and a drink.

It suits you if you want an organized day with plenty of choice. You can be active for ten minutes, rest for twenty, then return to the water. The guides and crew also appear particularly good at including people who need a little extra help.

This is less suitable for wheelchair users because of the access issues aboard. Reduced mobility may make the toilet and boarding difficult, and the catamaran requires shoes to be removed. Ask the supplier directly if you have any concern beyond the stated limitations.

The trip is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes boats, wind, or group excursions. The schedule is fixed, and weather may affect the water activities. One departure could not use the planned boat activity because it was too windy, though the group still enjoyed the day.

From July through October, Wednesday departures are for adults only. Do not book that day with children or babies.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.
• Pack a warm layer for the ferry and open deck.
• Bring comfortable shoes for the coach and ferry, but expect to remove them aboard.
• Tell the supplier in advance if you need a gluten-free meal.
• Keep your booking confirmation available and wait for the company’s confirmed pickup message.
• Bring your own mask if you prefer it, though snorkeling equipment is supplied.
• Do not count on walking onto Francesa Beach. Plan to enjoy it from the water.
• If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare for both ferry and catamaran travel.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want an easy, well-fed day on the water with a good mix of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, scenery, and free time. The strongest parts are the attentive crew, the generous food and drinks, and the chance to see La Graciosa without arranging several separate tickets.

Skip it if beach walking is your priority, if a long transfer from Playa Blanca sounds tiring, or if you need fully accessible facilities. For most active families and relaxed couples, though, the package offers a lot for $81 and gives you one of the simplest ways to experience La Graciosa from Lanzarote.

FAQ

How long does the La Graciosa sailing trip last?

The activity lasts about six hours. This includes coach transfers, the ferry rides, around three and a half hours of catamaran activities, and about one hour of free time in Caleta de Sebo.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from many hotels and bus stops across Lanzarote. The company confirms your exact pickup time and point after booking.

Can I walk onto Francesa Beach?

No. Current environmental rules do not allow disembarking on the beach. You can swim near the shore, use the kayaks, or stay aboard the catamaran.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes snacks, pasta, salad, fruit, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. A gluten-free meal can be arranged if you request it in advance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and kayaks are available during the stop near Francesa Beach. Safety vests are provided for kayaking.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. People with reduced mobility may also find access difficult, especially because the toilet is reached by an almost vertical ladder.